January 2017

EQUESTRIAN NEWS
For theLove of a
Horse
by Donice Muccio
Malachi Acres along with our barn family welcomed
winter with an awesome potluck party and horsedecorating
contest. It was a balmy, rainy Saturday
afternoon that tried to wreak havoc on our day but the
weather actually made it more festive and fun.
Every working horse farm knows that all the boarders, their
horses, and students become family. We love our family gettogethers
at Malachi and this last event again reminds us of
how fortunate we are to have such a diverse group of friends
that have the same thing in common. It truly is a little slice of
heaven.
This is a story about the Barnett family of Parkland,
and their beloved horse, Sheeza. Sheeza’s life with
the Barnett’s began 14 years ago when they fell in
love with her at Casperey Stables. They knew Sheeza
belonged with them.
This very “opinionated” quarter horse mare with a bit of an
attitude stole their hearts.
They purchased her from someone who had gone to Circle
F Dude Ranch Camp in Lake Wales, Florida. Campers who
go to Circle F for at least six years can choose a program
horse for free. Sheeza went home with a camper but was not
happy being used in a schooling program. Rebecca Barnett-
Stone and her
mother Sandy
Barnett would
be Sheeza’s
forever family
after having
been through
six previous
owners. Sandy
knew she
was an “old
soul” from the
moment she
met her and
truly believed
Sheeza chose
them as her
seventh and
last owners.
The Barnetts
came to our
barn 13 years
ago and I do
recall Sheeza
being a pushy
horse with
a very funny
personality.
She would stand like a rock and ignore both Rebecca’s and
Sandy’s commands until she finally gave in and would fly
around the arena. At 31-years-old she still canters around
the arena like a youngster but with a much more willing and
kinder attitude.
When asked what Sheeza meant to Rebecca and Sandy
they both gave the same answer; that Sheeza, along with
their family’s love and comfort, had gotten them both through
some very difficult times. Anyone that loves their pet, but
especially a horse, knows what they mean. Rebecca said
that she does not have to ride Sheeza when she feels down,
that just wrapping her arms around her with a long embrace
makes her feel whole. There is definitely a special bond
between a loyal horse and its owner.
You can see from the photo the insurmountable joy
Sheeza gives Rebecca. These two present a lovely,
happy story of unconditional love.
We hope everyone had a very Happy New Year full of
peace, joy and above all… love.
108
JANUARY 2017